Bosch gives South Africa 90-run lead against Pakistan – Sport

Debut fast bowler Corbin Bosch, batting at number nine, made an attacking 81 not out to take South Africa to a 90-run first innings lead on the second day of the first Test against Pakistan at SuperSport Park on Friday.

South Africa were bowled out for 301 in reply to Pakistan’s 211.

The hosts were just two runs ahead when opener Aiden Markram was eighth man out with 89.

But Bosch, who has a first-class batting average of over 40, shared stands of 41 with Kagiso Rabada (13) and 47 with Dane Paterson (12). The debutant hit 15 fours in a 93-ball innings to follow up his first-innings bowling figures of four for 63.

Aiden Markram was 19 runs short of a Test century at lunch as South Africa reached 180-5.

Markram has been under pressure after a string of low scores for South Africa but showed his worth to the team with a chanceless knock that left South Africa 31 runs behind with five wickets in hand in Centurion.

The hosts are chasing the win that would secure them a place in next June’s World Test Championship final.

But two wickets for Pakistan in Friday’s morning session kept them in the game with both captain Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham dismissed in the first session.

South Africa were 82-3 overnight, with Markram and Bavuma putting on another 54 runs before the skipper was dismissed, offering a thick outside edge to an Aamer Jamal delivery and was caught behind in the 31st over.

Bedingham attacked characteristically in his brief spell on the field, scoring 30 runs off 33 balls before extra bounce from Naseem Shah saw him edge Kamran Ghulam in the tie.

Markram was 47 overnight and quickly moved past 50 runs in the morning’s third over as Pakistan struggled in the first hour before making their breakthrough.

South Africa need to win one of the two matches against Pakistan to reach the WTC final at Lords in June, adding extra pressure to the competition. They have won their last seven home Tests against Pakistan.